Kamae in Aikido

On this page you will see photos of the main Aikido positions/postures and "key" techniques.

The given illustrations are intended first of all for beginners; for better terminology learning which is used in different Aikido clubs.

The "key" moments of Aikido techniques are on these photos. It is the best way to remember the carrying out of the shown techniques.

So, we shall begin...

First of all, it is necessary to draw attention to the basic poses in which Aikido technique carry-out.

Poses in Aikido

There are several types of poses in Aikido:

Migi hanmi It is the right-hand rack.

The Aikidokas right leg is in front. The shin of the right leg should be perpendicular to the floor. Such position of a front leg when knee has a projection above foot fingers is allowed, i.e. as though the knee of the front leg is "bend" forward. At this position the foot of the right leg is a little bit turned to the right side. The left leg is behind, accordingly. It is necessary to pay attention to keep the "back" leg straight. A strong/big bend in a knee is impossible. The main point settles down closer to a front leg (approximately on 70 %). The width of the pose should be defined like this:<!--#include virtual="/eng/ssi/_h2.txt" --> If from starting position Aikidoka stands on the "back" leg knee, the knee of this leg should set against the heel of the "front" leg. If between a knee and heel gets in one or two fists - that will be "the wide pose" already. Heels of both legs should be on one line. Aikidokas hands should be before him, on the center. The "Front" hand, in this pose - right, is at a level of a solar plexus, and "back" hand is at a level of a belt. This is standard (chudan-no-kamae - middle) position of hands. Still there is jodan-no-kamae , when the "front" Aikidokas hand rises on a level of a chin, and gedan-no-kamae - when the front Aikidokas hand is at a level of a belt. It is not acceptable to bend back in this pose. Shoulders should be relaxed. Requirements to the left-side pose are precisely the same, as for the right-hand.

Hidari hanmi It is the left-hand pose.

Further...

All Aikido techniques are carried out at three levels:

- tachi vaza,

- hanmi handachi vaza and

- suvari vaza.

Let's have a more detailed look on them:

Tachi vaza

This Aikido term identifies the standing position when both Aikidokas face each other.

Hanmi handachi vaza

This Aikido term identifies the position when one Aikidoka is standing (as a rule uke - assaulter), and the second Aikidoka is sitting (as a rule nage - technique performer; defender).

Suvari vaza

This Aikido term identifies the position when both Aikidokas sit facing each other.

There are two basic mutual Aikidokas positioning in each of this pose, accordingly.

Ai-hanmi

This Aikido term identifies the same mutual Aikidokas positioning.

That means that both uke and nage are in the same identical position (both in Migi hanmi or both in Hidari hanmi)

Gyako-hanmi

This Aikido term identifies the differing mutual Aikidokas position.

That means that both uke and nage are in different poses, relatively each other (one in Migi hanmi, another in Hidari hanmi)

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As the results of this lesson you should know the following terminology:

• Migi hanmi - the right-hand pose
• Hidari hanmi - the left-hand pose
• Tachi vaza - a mutual Aikidokas positioning, when both persons stand.
• Hanmi handachi vaza - the mutual Aikidokas positioning, when assaulter - stands, and defender - sits.
• Suvari vaza - the mutual Aikidokas positioning, when both persons sit.
• Ai hanmi - the same mutual position
• Gyako hanmi - the differing mutual position
• Hanmi (kamae) - the pose
• Nage (tori) - technique performer; who "wins"
• Uke - assaulter; who "loses"